Weekend Fire is Arson: Fire Marshal’s Office Needs Your Help

Officials say that a two-story duplex (new construction) fire on Saturday night was the result of arson.

Units responded to 1009 North Church Street around 9:45 pm. The fire was located in the lower level kitchen area of the left side unit.

According to Assistant Fire Marshal Michael Bartlett, the fire was intentionally set. “There was no gas or electricity hooked up,” said Bartlett. “The fire was set in the cabinets and spread to the walls.”

Although crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire, the unit received extensive fire, smoke, and heat damage.

Bartlett will be back on scene today for further investigation.

The Fire Marshal’s Office is asking for your assistance. If you have any information regarding the fire, please contact MFRD’s Fire Marshals’ Office at 615-849-2605 or Rutherford County Crime Stoppers at 615-893-STOP (7867) Monday through Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Callers will remain anonymous and cash rewards of up to $1,000 are offered for information leading to the arrest of persons of interest. You may also contact the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017 for a cash reward of up to $5,000.